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Journal of Hazardous Materials Oct 2023Pregnancy hormones are particularly important in early miscarriage, and some evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution is associated with pregnancy hormones and...
BACKGROUND
Pregnancy hormones are particularly important in early miscarriage, and some evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution is associated with pregnancy hormones and miscarriage. However, the effects of air pollution on pregnancy hormone-mediated miscarriages have not yet been investigated.
METHODS
We collected air pollution exposure measurements and pregnancy hormone tests from the participants. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between air pollution and early miscarriages. A distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to investigate non-linear and delayed associations and identify the crucial window. We performed mediation analysis to estimate the potential association that may exist between pregnancy hormone levels and early miscarriage.
RESULTS
Short-term exposure to CO and SO was associated with early miscarriage. Lag 22-28 days of exposure to both CO and SO and lag 15-21 days of exposure to CO were significantly positively associated with early miscarriage, with an obvious exposure dose response. Serum progesterone concentration explained 36.79 % of the association between lag 15-28 days of CO exposure and early miscarriage.
CONCLUSION
This study provides evidence for the association between short-term exposure to air pollution and early miscarriage, and provides clues for further exploration of biological mechanisms.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Abortion, Spontaneous; Air Pollution; Environmental Pollution; Progesterone
PubMed: 37666168
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132328 -
Science (New York, N.Y.) Aug 2023Temperature sensors are tracking exposure in people trying to conceive.
Temperature sensors are tracking exposure in people trying to conceive.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Abortion, Spontaneous; Hot Temperature; Climate Change
PubMed: 37535735
DOI: 10.1126/science.adk0832 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Oct 2023Miscarriages account for 20% of clinically confirmed pregnancies and up to 50% of all pregnancies and is considered one of the most heartbreaking events experienced by...
BACKGROUND
Miscarriages account for 20% of clinically confirmed pregnancies and up to 50% of all pregnancies and is considered one of the most heartbreaking events experienced by women. The current study aimed to explore participants' perceptions and practices and how they link with the negative emotions of miscarriage.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study a web-based questionnaire was used to gather data from 355 women living in Jordan who had experienced a previous miscarriage. The questionnaire consisted of four sections, including socio-demographic information, experience with miscarriage, emotions after the experience, and self-care practices. Participants were recruited through social media platforms from April to August 2022. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binomial regression were performed to examine the results.
RESULTS
The results show that the majority of participants were in the age group of 22-34 years and a larger percentage of participants hold a Bachelor's degree and were employed. All participants had experienced a previous miscarriage with 53.8% having one, 27.0% having two, and 19.2% having three or more miscarriages. In addition, most miscarriages did not have an explanation for their cause (77.5%), but vaginal bleeding was the most reported symptom (55.2%) and surgical management was predominant (48.7%). Most participants reported adequate emotional support from partners and family (63.7% and 62.3%, respectively). Almost half (48.7%) of the respondents felt like they had lost a child and those who did not receive any social support had a higher association with the same feeling (p = 0.005). Of the participating women, 40.3% decided to postpone another pregnancy while 20.0% planned for a subsequent pregnancy. The feeling of shame regarding the miscarriage was the main driver for women to get pregnant again (Odd ration [OR] 2.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-6.82; p = 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings highlight the emotional impact of miscarriage on women and the need for proper support and self-care practices.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Young Adult; Abortion, Spontaneous; Adaptation, Psychological; Cross-Sectional Studies; Emotions; Jordan
PubMed: 37884884
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06075-6 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023The relationship between endometrial thickness and pregnancy safety after fertilization treatment is an important topic that should provoke attention. The aim of this...
BACKGROUND
The relationship between endometrial thickness and pregnancy safety after fertilization treatment is an important topic that should provoke attention. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the relationship between endometrial thickness on day of embryo transfer and early pregnancy complications, including ectopic pregnancy and early miscarriage, in frozen thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles.
METHODS
Patients undergoing their first FET cycles were included into this study from January 2010 to December 2021. Patients were divided into three groups according to endometrial thickness on day of embryo transfer: Thin, ≤ 7 mm; Medium, 7-14 mm; Thick, ≥ 14 mm. Ectopic pregnancy and early miscarriage were the two primary outcomes. Endometrial thickness was the main measured variable. The risk factors of these two compilations were determined based on univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 11138 clinical pregnancies were included. The overall ectopic pregnancy and early spontaneous miscarriage rates were 2.62% and 13.40%. The ectopic pregnancy and early spontaneous miscarriage rates were significantly higher in patients with thin endometrium as compared with those in the other two groups (ectopic pregnancy rate: 5.06% vs. 2.62% vs. 1.05%; P < 0.001; early spontaneous miscarriage rate: 15.18% vs. 13.45% vs. 11.53%; P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, thin endometrium was an independent factor to predict ectopic pregnancy [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 5.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.51-12.58, P < 0.001], and to predict early spontaneous miscarriage rate (aOR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.21-1.74, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Thin endometrium on day of embryo transfer in FET cycles is an independent predictor for early pregnancy compilations, including ectopic pregnancy and early spontaneous miscarriage.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Humans; Abortion, Spontaneous; Pregnancy, Ectopic; Embryo Transfer; Fertilization in Vitro; Endometrium
PubMed: 37670886
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1066922 -
Biology of Reproduction Dec 2023A large proportion of miscarriages are classified as unexplained miscarriages since no cause is identified. No reliable biomarkers or treatments are available for these...
A large proportion of miscarriages are classified as unexplained miscarriages since no cause is identified. No reliable biomarkers or treatments are available for these pregnancy losses. While our transcriptomic sequencing has revealed substantial upregulation of miR-146b-5p in unexplained miscarriage villous tissues, its role and associated molecular processes have yet to be fully characterized. Our work revealed that relative to samples from normal pregnancy, miR-146b-5p was significantly elevated in villous tissues from unexplained miscarriage patients and displayed promising diagnostic potential. Moreover, miR-146b-5p agomir contributed to higher rates of embryonic resorption in ICR mice. When overexpressed in HTR-8/SVneo cells, miR-146b-5p attenuated the proliferative, invasive, and migratory activity of these cells while suppressing the expression of MMP9 and immune inflammation-associated cytokines, including IL1B, IL11, CXCL1, CXCL8, and CXCL12. Conversely, inhibition of its expression enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities. Mechanistically, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 19 were identified as miR-146b-5p targets regulating trophoblast function, and silencing IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 had similar effects as miR-146b-5p overexpression, while IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 overexpression could partially reverse the inhibitory impact of this microRNA on trophoblasts. miR-146b-5p may inhibit trophoblast proliferation, migration, invasion, and implantation-associated inflammation by downregulating IL-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 19, participating in the pathogenesis of miscarriage and providing a critical biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for unexplained miscarriage.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Abortion, Spontaneous; Interleukin-1 Receptor-Associated Kinases; Disintegrins; Mice, Inbred ICR; MicroRNAs; Trophoblasts; Inflammation; Cell Proliferation; Metalloproteases; Cell Movement; ADAM Proteins
PubMed: 37676254
DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad112 -
Particle and Fibre Toxicology Mar 2024With rapid increase in the global use of various plastics, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pollution and their adverse health effects have attracted global...
BACKGROUND
With rapid increase in the global use of various plastics, microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) pollution and their adverse health effects have attracted global attention. MPs have been detected out in human body and both MPs and NPs showed female reproductive toxicological effects in animal models. Miscarriage (abnormal early embryo loss), accounting for 15-25% pregnant women worldwide, greatly harms human reproduction. However, the adverse effects of NPs on miscarriage have never been explored.
RESULTS
In this study, we identified that polystyrene (PS) plastics particles were present in women villous tissues. Their levels were higher in villous tissues of unexplained recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients vs. healthy control (HC) group. Furthermore, mouse assays further confirmed that exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs, 50 nm in diameter, 50 or 100 mg/kg) indeed induced miscarriage. In mechanism, PS-NPs exposure (50, 100, 150, or 200 µg/mL) increased oxidative stress, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased apoptosis in human trophoblast cells by activating Bcl-2/Cleaved-caspase-2/Cleaved-caspase-3 signaling through mitochondrial pathway. The alteration in this signaling was consistent in placental tissues of PS-NPs-exposed mouse model and in villous tissues of unexplained RM patients. Supplement with Bcl-2 could efficiently suppress apoptosis in PS-NPs-exposed trophoblast cells and reduce apoptosis and alleviate miscarriage in PS-NPs-exposed pregnant mouse model.
CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to PS-NPs activated Bcl-2/Cleaved-caspase-2/Cleaved-caspase-3, leading to excessive apoptosis in human trophoblast cells and in mice placental tissues, further inducing miscarriage.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Animals; Mice; Abortion, Spontaneous; Polystyrenes; Caspase 3; Microplastics; Plastics; Caspase 2; Placenta; Apoptosis; Disease Models, Animal; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Nanoparticles
PubMed: 38454452
DOI: 10.1186/s12989-024-00574-w -
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex... May 2024Copper pollution has become global environmental concern. Widespread Cu pollution results in excessive Cu exposure in human. Epidemiological studies and animal...
Copper pollution has become global environmental concern. Widespread Cu pollution results in excessive Cu exposure in human. Epidemiological studies and animal experiments revealed that Cu exposure might have reproductive toxicity. Cuproptosis is a newly reported Cu-dependent and programmed cell death formTsvetkov et al., 2022. However, whether copper exposure at real environmental exposure dose might cause placental cuproptosis and induce miscarriage was completely unexplored. In this study, we found that Cu exposure during pregnancy induced miscarriage or complete pregnancy loss by inducing placenta cuproptosis in CuCl-exposed pregnant mice. Notably, Cu exposure at 1.3 mg/kg/d (a real environmental exposure dose) was enough to cause placenta cuproptosis. CuCl exposure disrupts the TCA cycle, causes proteotoxic stress, increases Cu ion import/decreases Cu export, and results in the loss of Fe-S cluster proteins in mouse placenta, which induces placenta cuproptosis. Moreover, we also identified that Cu exposure down-regulates the expression levels of mmu-miR-3473b, which interacts with Dlst or Rtel1 mRNA and simultaneously positively regulates Dlst or Rtel1 expression, thereby disrupting the TCA cycle and resulting in the loss of Fe-S cluster proteins, and thus epigenetically regulates placental cuproptosis. Treatment with TTM (a cuproptosis inhibitor) suppressed placental cuproptosis and alleviated miscarriage in CuCl-exposed mice. This work provides novel reproductive toxicity of Cu exposure in miscarriage or complete pregnancy loss by causing placental cuproptosis. This study also provides new ways for further studies on other toxicological effects of Cu and proposes a new approach for protection against Cu-induced reproductive diseases.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Animals; Mice; Abortion, Spontaneous; Copper; Placenta; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollution; Apoptosis
PubMed: 38552771
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123847 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023This study aimed to evaluate the association between blood heavy metal (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd)) concentrations and spontaneous abortion (SA)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to evaluate the association between blood heavy metal (zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd)) concentrations and spontaneous abortion (SA) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and explore the possible endocrine dysfunction associated with it.
METHODS
A literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases up to April 2023. The overall effects were expressed as the standard mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the type of abortion (SA or RPL). Stata 16.0 was utilized for data analysis.
RESULTS
Based on the integrated findings, abortion women showed significantly lower Zn (SMD = -1.05, 95% CI: -1.74 to -0.36, = 0.003) and Cu concentrations (SMD = -1.42, 95% CI: -1.97 to -0.87, 0.001) and higher Pb (SMD = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.89-2.05, 0.001) and Cd concentrations (SMD = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.45-1.85, = 0.001) than normal pregnant women. Subgroup analysis showed that Zn and Cu deficiency and Cd and Pb exposure were significantly (0.05) associated with RPL, whereas Cu deficiency and Cd and Pb exposure were significantly (0.05) associated with SA.
CONCLUSION
Zn and Cu deficiencies and Pb and Cd exposure were associated with abortion. Endocrine dysfunction, such as insulin resistance, vitamin D insufficiency, and abnormal thyroid and sex hormone concentrations, is thought to be involved in heavy metal-related abortion.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Abortion, Spontaneous; Cadmium; Lead; Metals, Heavy; Zinc
PubMed: 37711903
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1216507 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Apr 2024Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a pregnancy-related condition with complex etiology. Trophoblast dysfunction and abnormal macrophage polarization and metabolism...
Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a pregnancy-related condition with complex etiology. Trophoblast dysfunction and abnormal macrophage polarization and metabolism are associated with RSA; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Jupiter microtubule-associated homolog 2 (JPT2) is essential for calcium mobilization; however, its role in RSA remains unclear. In this study, it is found that the expression levels of JPT2, a nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate-binding protein, are decreased in the villous tissues of patients with RSA and placental tissues of miscarried mice. Mechanistically, it is unexpectedly found that abnormal JPT2 expression regulates trophoblast function and thus involvement in RSA via c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not via calcium mobilization. Specifically, on the one hand, JPT2 deficiency inhibits trophoblast adhesion, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the JNK/atypical chemokine receptor 3 axis. On the other hand, trophoblast JPT2 deficiency contributes to M1 macrophage polarization by promoting the accumulation of citrate and reactive oxygen species via inhibition of the JNK/interleukin-6 axis. Self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9-JPT2 treatment alleviates embryonic resorption in abortion-prone mice. In summary, this study reveals that JPT2 mediates the remodeling of the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for RSA.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Mice; Pregnancy; Abortion, Habitual; Disease Models, Animal; Macrophages; Microtubule-Associated Proteins; Trophoblasts
PubMed: 38417123
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306359 -
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks,... Oct 2023To explore the association between uterine volume and in vitro fertilization (IVF) reproductive outcomes of infertile patients with adenomyosis, we performed a...
To explore the association between uterine volume and in vitro fertilization (IVF) reproductive outcomes of infertile patients with adenomyosis, we performed a retrospective cohort study of infertile patients with adenomyosis who underwent IVF from January 2009 to December 2019 in our clinical center. Patients were divided into five groups according to the uterine volume before the IVF cycle. A line graph was drawn to demonstrate the linear trend of IVF reproductive outcomes with uterine volume. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the association between uterine volume of adenomyosis patients and IVF reproductive outcomes in first fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycle, first frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle, and per ET cycle. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were conducted to evaluate the association between uterine volume and cumulative live birth. A total of 1155 infertile patients with adenomyosis were included. Clinical pregnancy rate showed no significant correlation with uterine volume in first fresh ET cycle, first FET cycle, and per ET cycle; miscarriage rate showed an upward trend with uterine volume increasement, in which the uterine volume turning point was 8 weeks of gestation; live birth rate showed a downward trend with turning point of 10 weeks of gestation. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups (uterine volume ≤ 8 weeks of gestation vs. uterine volume > 8 weeks of gestation). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that patients with a uterus larger than 8 weeks of gestation had a higher miscarriage rate and a lower live birth rate in all ET cycles. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression demonstrated lower cumulative live birth rate in patients with a uterine volume larger than 8 weeks of gestation. IVF reproductive outcome gets worse as uterine volume increases in infertile patients with adenomyosis. Adenomyosis patients with a uterus larger than 8 weeks of gestation had a higher miscarriage rate and a lower live birth rate.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adenomyosis; Retrospective Studies; Abortion, Spontaneous; Fertilization in Vitro; Uterus; Pregnancy Rate; Infertility, Female
PubMed: 37188983
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01210-2